ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As the hurricane season continues to intensify, it’s important to determine whether your home is adequately safeguarded against potential damage from severe weather.
According to insurance specialist Mark Friedlander, if you need to update your home insurance policy to ensure sufficient protection, there’s still a window to make adjustments during this hurricane season, provided you act promptly.
“Typically, you can make modifications to your existing policies until the National Hurricane Center issues storm watches or warnings,” he noted.
However, the scenario becomes more complex when it comes to flood insurance.
Friedlander mentioned that changes to flood insurance can take more time to come into effect, so last-minute alterations just before a storm might not fully shield you from risks.
“If you don’t already have flood insurance, it will be too late for any storms arriving next week,” he clarified. “Planning ahead is crucial for flood insurance, usually around 30 days.”
For individuals who are considering weathering the storms of this hurricane season with limited or no insurance coverage, Friedlander warned that this approach carries the risk of financial exposure if their property sustains significant damage.
“While FEMA can provide emergency funds and even temporary housing, it’s important to note that FEMA doesn’t function as an insurance policy,” he pointed out. “If your home is severely damaged or destroyed by a storm, FEMA won’t cover the costs of rebuilding… Without adequate insurance, you’re essentially taking a gamble.”
Friedlander also advised that people review their auto insurance policies to confirm whether they are covered for storm-related losses, such as flooding, tree falls onto their vehicle, or other storm-related problems.
Additional hurricane readiness recommendations from Friedlander, sourced from the Insurance Information Institute, encompass:
- Checking and updating your evacuation plan, including plans for your pets.
- Ensuring your hurricane kit includes a minimum 14-day supply of non-perishable food, drinking water (one gallon per person daily), and two weeks’ worth of medications for all household members, including pets.
- Keep a record of your insurer and insurance agent’s contact details, either in your wallet or purse.
- Procuring emergency supplies like batteries and flashlights.
- Fully charging your cell phones to receive weather alerts.
- Securing your yard by stowing away outdoor furniture, lawn items, and planters that could become projectiles in high winds.
- Keeping your car’s gasoline tank filled.
